So, “Right of Way.” What’s it about anyway?
Today being Wednesday, I thought I’d write a little about our script’s first three pages and what might come next. (Check ’em out by clicking the SCRIPT icon to the right, if you haven't already.) After this first week, I’ll always post new script pages on Wednesdays (on the SCRIPT page, natch), and I’ll post script notes here.
The opening pages set a tone. There’s a junkie in an abandoned tunnel and a movie star at a Westside party. I want to continue to explore the whole range of L.A. neighborhoods and demographics these two represent.
We’ve also got a main character, or at least he looks like one to me: Mayor Russell Napolitano, who bridges all the demos—rumpled but ramrod straight, charming but shady, a leader with a vision for a great American city, but with ethics that allow him to play fast and loose with the public trust.
Which brings us to that envelope. What’s in it? The obvious answer is money, but could it be something more interesting? And if money it is, then to what purpose? Straight-on graft is so Chicago. Napolitano’s got something more complex going on. I don’t know what it is, but I can feel it.
And what about the sexual tension between him and Celeste? Is it just a sly glance or something more? Remember—blood will be shed here somewhere. Maybe not in next week’s pages or next month’s; it’s too soon to tell. Maybe the vic won’t even be a main character. But if I were Celeste (or her husband Larry, for that matter), I’d sure watch my step. Just sayin’.
Then there’s that smell of methane in the tunnel. You’ve no doubt heard that our mass transportation plans were at one time derailed by underground gas pockets. (And if you haven’t, you can get a whiff of the local lore here.) The banner at that Brentwood manse shouts, “L.A. is on the move.” But is Napolitano the man to lead the way, or is he just some sociopath gasbag on the hustle?
We pause to await your contribution while the mayor takes the mike to address an adoring crowd. If we decide to lay in some exposition in his speech, let’s try to do it with style. (Remember that scene in “Chinatown,” where the farmer brings his herd of sheep to the city council meeting because there’s not enough water for grazing at home? Now, that’s how you make a story come to life!)
It’s time to keep building the story's rails—setting up characters, conflict, plot and subplots. We need 1-5 more pages by Sunday night—before then, if you don’t want to be writing through the Oscars.
Who’s on board?
Effective business articles that will improve your business.
In a world where businesses are constantly seeking efficiency and sustainability, the shift towards digital document management has become more than a trend—it’s a necessity. At the heart of this … Read More
Picture guiding a vessel through unpredictable waters, where unforeseen storms can upheave even the best-laid plans. Leading a professional association mirrors this scenario closely. With the shifting sands of member … Read More
In the digital age, where attention is fragmented and competition for visibility is fierce, targeted engagement has emerged as a critical strategy for businesses aiming to connect meaningfully with their … Read More
In today’s competitive landscape, a company’s success hinges on the collective effort of its workforce. Even the most brilliant ideas and meticulously crafted plans can falter without a team that … Read More
In today’s fast-paced software development landscape, efficiency is paramount. Every minute counts, and any tool that can streamline processes and workflows becomes invaluable. Jira, a widely utilized project management tool, … Read More
Stakes in the building or construction industry are high. Constructing buildings and homes is costly and safety matters are important. Most customers are cautious and involved in the process, potentially … Read More
In the bustling heart of New York City, Sarah, a young entrepreneur, taps her phone to complete a transaction that, just a decade ago, would have required a time-consuming visit … Read More
Introduction The Artificial Intelligence dawn is transforming how people work and businesses operate. It is opening up a world of challenges and possibilities, making it a game changer for entrepreneurs … Read More
After getting the formula for your beverage manufacturing, the next important thing to consider is its packaging. Businesses must select a fitting package for their products to offer quality products … Read More
German billionaire Michael Gastauer has carved a path in the world of financial technology, particularly through his brainchild, Black Banx. Founded in 2014, Black Banx has rapidly evolved into a … Read More
